This Red-tailed Hawk—photographeded at White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas—was extremely tolerant of observation. As he moved along the east side of the lake, he attracted a larger and large entourage of photographers and other interested onlookers. At one point he had at least five super-telephoto camera lenses pointed in his direction.

The hawk continued about his business as if all of the attention was no big deal. He was even seen leaving his high perch to capture a small mouse on the ground. He took his prize to a nearby tree and swallowed it whole while everyone watched!

I joined in with the larger group of photographers at Winfrey Point.
I joined in with the larger group of photographers at Winfrey Point to get this picture.
The hawk was sitting atop a telephone pole roughly 30 yards/meters away.
The hawk was sitting atop a telephone pole roughly 30 yards/meters away.
Continuing on his hunting rounds, the Red-tailed Hawk moved to another pole closer to the lake.
Continuing on his hunting rounds, the Red-tailed Hawk moved to another pole closer to the lake.
Something on the ground under the pole soon caught the big bird's attention.
Something on the ground under the pole soon caught the big bird’s attention.
The hawk launched himself from the top of the pole and dove straight for the ground.
The hawk launched himself from the top of the pole and dove straight for the ground.
After securing his prey, the hawk moved to a limb in a nearby tree. Here we could see that he had captured a small mouse.
After securing his prey, the hawk moved to a limb in a nearby tree. Here we could see that he had captured a small mouse.
The mouse was consumed post-haste.
The mouse was consumed post-haste.
A Red-tailed Hawk at White Rock Lake, Dallas, Texas.
A Red-tailed Hawk at White Rock Lake, Dallas, Texas.

Red-tailed Hawk - Mouse Hunter

Observation Details

County – Dallas
City – Dallas
Date – Jan 6, 2013
Time of Day – Afternoon
Temperature – Cool (50-69°F/10-21°C)
Weather – Clear
Habitat – Recreation-Park
Type of Behavior – Hunting
Gender – Uncertain
Maturity – Adult
Observer – Chris Jackson
Main Article – Red-tailed Hawk Observation Location

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By Chris Jackson's DFW Urban Wildlife3 Comments on Red-tailed Hawk – Mouse Hunter

3 Replies to “Red-tailed Hawk – Mouse Hunter”

  2. Great captures. It’s amazing how accustomed to humans urban red-tails can be, isn;t it? We get to watch our resident do things (hunt, eat, mate, nest) that we might have a much harder time seeing out in the wilderness.

    Reply

    1. Red-tailed Hawks are amazing. Yes, it is remarkable how adaptable and tolerant they are to living amongst us. I’ve been reading your posts about NYC Red-tails with great interest!

      Reply

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